A brief history of Hay-on-Wye - Tourist Information Bureau Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR3 5DG, United Kingdom Telephone: 01497 820144 From overseas: 44 1497 820144 A brief history of Hay-on-Wye The small Marches town of Hay-on-Wye is the northernmost point of the Brecon Beacons National Park and stands on the southern side of the River Wye. Across the river to the north are the green hills of Radnorshire, to the south and west lies the glorious range of the Black Mountains, to the east is the Golden Valley, part of the cultivated farmlands Herefordshire. Hay is situated in some of the most varied and beautiful countryside the British Isles have to offer. In local terms, the town was known as 'The Hay', the name deriving from Norman origin, Hay or Haie, meaning a fenced or hedged enclosure. 'Y-Gelli', the Welsh form, means 'Grove'. In Norman times, for administration purposes, it was divided into English Hay and Welsh Hay.

The town was English Hay and the south and west area of countryside, the Welsh Hay. In modern times Hay is known throughout the world as 'The Town of Books'. Anyone strolling around the town cannot fail to notice the gateway of the Norman castle which towers over the narrow streets lying beneath its walls. This castle replaces the earlier and much smaller castle built on an artificial mound close to Hay's parish church in St Mary's Road. This ancient mound can still be seen. The history of the town and the castle are inextricably bound together since William de Breos II, one of the most infamously treacherous of the Norman Marcher Lords, built the present castle c.1200. According to legend, the castle was rebuilt in one night by the wife of William de Breos, Maud de St Valery (also known as Moll Wallbee), carrying the stones in her apron. William and his wife had the misfortune to fall foul of King John who took vengeance by imprisoning Maud and her eldest son. It is reported that, in 1211, they were starved to death by being walled up alive, probably at Windsor, but possibly at Corfe.

William fled to France where he died in poverty in Normandy in 1213. His body was taken to Paris and buried in the Abbey at St. Victor. The castle and town, during nearly eight hundred years, have suffered equally at the hands of Welsh patriots, English lords and reigning monarchs. In 1231 the castle was burnt down by Prince Llewelyn ap Ioweth and then rebuilt by Henry III c. 1233 before being restored to the de Breos family. Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, reduced the castle in 1265 during the Barons uprising against the king. In 1322 the castle was captured by Edward II's forces and confiscated from the de Bohum family, then lords of the manor. In 1353 the town and castle were, once again, destroyed by fire during the rebellion of Owain Glyndwr and the castle was declared to be 'in a ruinous state'. Sometime between 1600 and 1650 the Jacobean mansion, set within the Norman walls, was built under the ownership of the Gwynn family of Trecastle but this too fell into disrepair.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw a variety of tenants leasing the castle. During Victorian times it became the residence for the vicars of Hay and Francis Kilvert, curate of Clyro and Victorian diarist, was a frequent visitor there. In 1971 the castle became the property of Mr Richard Booth, bookseller, during which time the castle, once again, suffered from fire in 1977 (it had also happened in 1939). From Castle Square, in the centre of town, a clear view can be seen of the 13th/14th century doorway and the flight of steps where the jurors for the manorial courts were sworn in. The medieval town walls were erected in 1236 when a grant was received to fortify the town. There is little trace left of the walls, the three gates or the postern gate for foot passengers. Remains of the ancient wall can be seen when approaching the town on the B4350, Clifford road, occupying the ridge of high ground to the left of Newport Street.

Newport, a corruption of Nyporth, meaning 'Water Gate', so called because of the position of the east gate leading down to the river. The walls appear to have continued westward along the high bank of the River Wye and then eastwards towards Castle Street and the Western Gate. It is probable that the third gate occupied a site near the Old Black Lion in Lion Street. Many of the buildings have been 'rendered', thus hiding their once exposed timber and plaster exteriors. There are known to have been at least thirty-four public houses in the town at one time. The Three Tuns, in Broad Street, is the oldest and since a recent fire and subsequent complete refurbishment continues. This 16th Century building still has its horse mounting block outside. The colonnaded Buttermarket was erected in 1833 on the site of the Old Market House. There was also a Cheese Market and a China Market, although the latter was just an open space, as well as the usual livestock markets. The Town Clock was erected in 1881 on the 'tump' at a cost of �600.

The Tramway was the forerunner of the railway which ran from Brecon to Hay and on to Clifford and Kington. This Tramway was built in the 18th Century as a means of transporting coal more cheaply from the Abergavenny and Brecon Canal. The tram was limited to six carriages and entirely horse-drawn. Passengers were permitted, paying 6d (2.5p) for six miles. Two contractors supplied the horses, William Bridgewater, stationed at Glasbury and Benjamin Trusted at Eardisley. The horses were probably changed at Glasbury where the stables at Llywnaubach Lodge have now been incorporated into the hotel complex. An example of the iron wheel and part of the track can be seen in Hay Library. Independent bookshops in Wales | Books | The Guardian Independent bookshops in Wales Awen Menai 10 Stryd y Bont, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5DW, 01248 715532 Rhiannon Elis-Williams had only recently had her second baby when her local bookshop came up for sale.

A few months later, after a total DIY refit carried out with the help of her husband, the business reopened at the beginning of 2011 as Anglesey's only bilingual bookshop. Around two-thirds of the books are in Welsh, including plenty of titles for learners, with the remainder in English, but focusing on Wales and its culture. There's lots on local history and guides for visitors to the island, and the gifts – mainly locally produced arts and crafts – are refreshingly free of tweeness. Cardiff Cab@n 169 King's Road, Cardiff, CF11 9DE, 029-2034 2223 Tucked away in the leafy, well-heeled Pontcanna district of Cardiff, this compact shop aims to stock every book available written in Welsh, across all subject areas, plus a selection of books for those learning the language, and special interest titles in English. It's a relaxed place that keeps a good range of children's books, also in Welsh, serves good coffee and sells CDs from Wales in both languages.

Ian Allan 31 Royal Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AE, 029-2039 0615 A glorious trove of books on railways, aviation, transport and military subjects, this shop is one of the many delights to be found in Cardiff's Victorian shopping arcades. The staff are passionate and hugely knowledgeable about their subjects and stock an unrivalled selection of specialist and more general titles for enthusiasts, as well as their present-buying friends and family. Carmarthenshire Books on the Green 2 King Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire SA19 6AA, 01558 823040 Bookshop settings don't get much more picturesque than this – overlooking the village green and ancient St Teilo's church in the centre of handsome Llandeilo. Inside, there are over 7,000 secondhand and rare books, as well as a smaller selection of new titles that's especially strong on local and Welsh interest, biography, art and philosophy. The adjoining gallery sells a range of original art and prints.

College Street Books 15 College Street, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire SA18 3AD, 01269 592140 This is a good place to browse. A friendly shop in a busy high street, it has generous sections of fiction, children's books, local history, Welsh-language titles, educational tomes and biographies. There are local guides and maps for walkers, and the owner will doggedly source out-of-print books for customers. It also stocks work by local authors. Oriel Myrddin Gallery Church Lane, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire SA31 1LH, 01267 222775 The book section of this gallery shop may be slight, but it's exquisitely selected to gather together titles you'd struggle to find in one place elsewhere. In its stock of books on art theory, textiles, design, ceramics and every craft form, it mixes titles from major art publishers and the smallest presses. This is the place to come for literature on subversive knitting, Welsh quilts, David Nash's sculptures, fashion, ecologically minded designs and monographs on significant contemporary artists.

Independent presses stocked include Intellect, Blackdog, Seren and Parthian. There's also a range of art magazines. Siop y Pentan The Market, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire SA31 1QY, 01267 235044 Located in an indoor market, this shop is reputed to have one of the best selections of Welsh-language books in Wales. It's been run for 40 years by the same family and is a friendly place with great banter. Most local schools teach their classes in Welsh, so there's an especially strong selection of children's books in the language. T-Hwnt 3 Jackson's Lane, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire SA31 1QD, 01267 231133 Run by four sisters in their 20s, this is a modern take on the traditional Welsh shop. Everything about it is bright and bold, and this extends to a fine selection of Welsh-language books, including novels, religious titles, children's books and those on sport, poetry, biography, agriculture, history and cooking.

The children's corner (a dedicated "cwtch", or snug) is especially delightful. Ceredigion Aberystwyth Arts Centre Bookshop Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3DE, 01970 628697 The arts centre bookshop is also the Aberystwyth University bookseller and holds the largest selection of new stock in the town, with more than 25,000 titles. It's got a great location in the bustling arts complex, and is popular for its mix of bestsellers and new titles, hard-to-find classics, an unrivalled range of academic texts and books by university staff, plus quirky, topical reads. The shop hosts poetry readings, book launches and signings and stays open until 8pm, so you can browse for a while before seeing a film or catching a show. Awen Teifi 23 High Street, Cardigan, Ceredigion SA43 1HJ, 01239 621370 A lovely shop right in the middle of Cardigan, specialising in Welsh-language titles and a small number of English-language books on topics related to Wales.

Around 99% of the stock is in Welsh, with a good section for those still learning the language, as well as the latest releases and a range of Welsh-interest titles. There's a gallery upstairs, with a permanent collection of work by local artist Aneurin Jones. Siop Inc 13 Bridge Street, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 1PY, 01970 626200 A bright and modern take on a traditional Welsh shop. Instead of love spoons and Welsh dolls, this shop stocks sweatshirts and mugs with slogans in Welsh and a good range of topical and new Welsh-language books. Children's books are especially well represented, as are poetry and recent fiction. Come here for a clever mix of Welsh items, not just the books. Conwy Bys a Bawd 29 Stryd Ddinbych, Llanrwst, Dyffryn, Conwy LL26 0LL, 01492 641329 A handsome shop with a comprehensive stock of Welsh-language titles across a full range of subjects.

This is a good place to pick up the latest Welsh bestseller or a more obscure historic title. Orders are simply done and usually fulfilled quickly. There's a featured book each month, often from a small press such as Parthian. Denbighshire Courtyard Books Castle Courtyard, Llangollen, Denbighshire LL20 8NY, 01978 869394 This long-established, family-run bookshop is beautifully situated around a courtyard near the ruins of a 13th-century castle. As well as having a good coverage of fiction, children's books and general non-fiction, it's a great place for a rummage through a range of Welsh-interest titles or the well-stocked arts and craft section, which has lots of sewing and knitting books. Ruthin Bookshop 3 Upper Clwyd Street, Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 1HY, 01824 703840 Maybe it's the fact that this 500-year-old building used to be an inn, but there's something unusually lively and warm about this small bookshop, with its dark beams and low ceilings.

Or maybe it's that the owner has been here for almost three decades. She knows her local customers well and is used to the needs of day-trippers stopping off en route to Llandudno. There's a tiny selection of secondhand stock, but the majority is new, with highlights including fiction, children's books and poetry. Flintshire Mold Bookshop 33 High Street, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1BQ, 01352 759879 Among the usual modern fiction, classics and art books, there's a definite tendency at the Mold Bookshop toward travel, history and children's literature, reflecting the interests of owner Caroline Johnson. The stock of 16,000 titles also includes sections on local authors, such as Katie Flynn, as well as on local history – a sign of the shop's central role in the small community it serves. This includes providing a space for local artists to display their work, which has also led to the growing range of art supplies on sale.

Gwynedd Bookseller 10 Gaol Street, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 5RG, 01758 613755 The Bookseller has been serving locals in this small market town, and holidaymakers to the stonking scenery of the Llyn peninsula, for almost 30 years. It carries a good general selection of titles, but is particularly strong on fiction, biography, guides to the area and local history. Although it's a long, narrow shop, every scrap of space is filled with books and it's the sort of charismatic place where gems are waiting to be found. These might be from local authors, such as Veronica Cecil (Drums on the Night Air) and Andrew Jones (Pilgrimage), who are well represented. Browsers Bookshop 73 High Street, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9EU, 01766 512066 Browsers occupies a handsome double-fronted building that's one of Porthmadog's oldest; a bookshop has been here since 1935.

It's a family-run business, managed by David and Sara Cowper, who sell free-range eggs from their chickens alongside the books. Although there are some secondhand and out-of-print titles, the shop holds mostly new books, with a range of biographies and titles on science, gardening, art, photography, fiction and the classics. It also carries Welsh and local history, and a large section for the train enthusiasts who are drawn to the town by its narrow-gauge railway. Case of Harlech High Street, Harlech, Gwynedd LL46 2YA, 01766 780231 Over the 30 years that the current owner has run Case of Harlech, the balance of stock has gradually shifted towards secondhand books. The 500 new titles that are available serve locals and holidaymakers well, with a smattering of local interest, Welsh-language literature, guides to the area, and the work of local writers.

Muse Bookshop 43 Holyhead Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2EU, 01248 362072 Tucked away in a small parade of shops next to the university, Muse specialises in supplying new and secondhand academic textbooks to the 15,000 students who live in the area. New stock also includes a selection of recent and more general titles, chosen to be interesting and quirky, with a commanding range of new fiction. The shop is laid out over two floors, crammed full of new books and boxes of secondhand titles. Friendly staff encourage a welcoming, homely feel, which is improved by an original open fireplace in one of the rooms. Palas Print 10 Stryd y Plas, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 1RR, 01286 674631 "Without borders" is the slogan of Palas Print, a bright, contemporary bookshop selling both Welsh and English literature within Caernarfon's medieval town walls.

The shop, which carries around 6,000 titles, has separate areas for the best new and backlisted fiction, poetry and non-fiction books, in both languages, and a children's section that combines Welsh and English. There are also a few special interest and world music CDs, as well as magazines and cards, but the emphasis here is on an unrivalled bilingual selection of books under one roof. The comfy sofas, excellent coffee and cheerful staff make Palas Print a lovely place to indulge in a bit of browsing. Palas Print Pendref 170 Y Stryd Fawr, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1NU, 01248 362676 Sister to the Caernarfon branch, this shop is smaller but has the same combination of Welsh and English titles, as well as a modest selection of academic literature to reflect its university city setting. Much like its larger sibling, this beautiful double-fronted art deco building hosts regular book-related events and is prized locally for its helpful staff. An overnight ordering service is available for titles in either language.

Monmouthshire Abergavenny Bookshop 1 High Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5RY, 01873 850380 A characterful and intimate space with a strong selection of general books covering fiction, travel, gardening, food and drink, as well as a well-stocked children's section located at the back. Local history is a passion at this bookshop, with publications from mainstream and independent small presses rubbing shoulders with local history groups focusing on mining and railways. The shop hosts author events with well-known local Welsh writers such as Owen Sheers, and is involved in the annual Abergavenny food festival, selling books at the masterclasses and launching foodie titles. Chepstow Bookshop 13 St Mary Street, Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 5EW, 01291 625011 This grade II-listed building on a pedestrianised street in the centre of Chepstow is where JK Rowling used to shop for books as a teenager. She lived locally and would cross the Wye to come into town to browse the titles on the bookshop's shelves.

Famous names still appear here as part of a remarkably lively programme of launches and other events, featuring stellar bookings such as Nigella Lawson, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Ranulph Fiennes. The shop, open seven days a week, stocks more than 10,000 titles, with impressive ranges of fiction, history, biography, children's books and – given its proximity to the Wye valley and the start of Offa's Dyke – walking guides and maps. Monmouth Bookshop 13 Monnow Street, Monmouth, Monmouthshire NP25 3EF, 01600 719990 A general bookshop with a traditional feel and particularly strong sections on recent fiction, gardening, cookery, biography and children's books. Building on its setting in a historic market town in the middle of glorious walking country, there are plenty of books on local history and outdoor activity guides.

Pembrokeshire Animal Kitchen Moorfield Road, Narberth, SA67 7AB, 01834 860811 There's an interesting mixture of new and secondhand titles in this well-established bookshop in the traditional market town of Narberth. The stock of new books covers fiction, children's reading, classics, education and reference, philosophy, local interest and lots of Pembrokeshire walking guides. The shop runs four book clubs, which meet monthly. The secondhand section makes up two-thirds of the 11,000 or so titles, concentrating on romance and crime – which seem like slightly odd bedfellows. Pembroke Bookshop 73 Main Street, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire SA71 4DA, 01646 685144 Although deceptively small from the outside, this friendly bookshop is one of those great browsing discoveries. Housed in a former residential terrace in the centre of the historic walled town, the shop stocks a mix of fiction, biography, natural history, children's books and crafts, as well as a broad range of local interest titles.

These include those on Wales and Pembrokeshire, but also small press offerings on local towns and by local authors. Seaways 12 West Street, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire SA65 9AE, 01348 873433 The back of this bookshop overlooks the sea; the frontage is an impressive Georgian creation. With these details, it echoes the history and essence of Fishguard. There's a strong sense of being woven into the community here, with the bookshop advertising local events, such as choir performances, and acting as a ticket outlet for them. There are essentially three types of Seaways customer: locals, tourists and ferry passengers. The shop serves them with a range of local interest books, nature guides, Welsh school titles and books for those learning the language, plus healthy selections of current fiction, biography, children's books and lifestyle literature. Local authors, such as book illustrator Jackie Morris, are well represented and author talks and signings are lively, well-attended events.

St David's Bookshop 5a The Pebbles, St David's, Pembrokeshire SA62 6RD, 01437 720480 This could be the smallest bookshop in the UK; it's certainly located in its smallest city, which has a population of fewer than 1,800 people. Yet this gloriously idiosyncratic shop, opposite the cathedral, has another distinctive feature: it is run by the mayor of St David's. Most subjects are represented, but the shop is especially good for natural history, archaeology, geology, the environment and Celtic history as they relate to Pembrokeshire. There's lots of architectural and ecclesiastical history, books for Welsh learners and a children's section packed with classics.

Tenby Bookshop Jubilee House, Tudor Square, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7AJ, 01834 843514 In the heart of one of Pembrokeshire's most popular resorts, this shop stocks a comprehensive range of guides to the local area and nearby coastal path, alongside a wide selection of fiction for holiday reading, children's books, humour and a popular history section. Welsh-interest titles are well stocked, as are books by local writers such as Brian John, whose historical Angel Mountain saga is set in the nearby Preseli hills. The shop is the sole stockist of Mark Merrony's Official History of Tenby. The second floor has children's pop-up books, toys, gifts, homeware and jigsaws – perfect for those rainy holiday days. Victoria Bookshop 6 Bridge Street, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA61 2AD, 01437 762750 The only independent bookshop remaining in Haverfordwest.

It has a wide range of new books in fiction, biography, holiday guides, sport, reference, food and drink, gardening and children's titles, while also specialising in local interest and local authors. For some books, such as the local museum curator Simon Hancock's photographic history of the town in Victorian and Edwardian times, it may be sole stockist. There's a lively programme of author events featuring local writers, such as Stefan Jakubowski and David James. Victoria Bookshop Pembrokeshire College, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA61 1SZ, 01437 768134 The second branch of the Victoria Bookshop specialises in supplying academic literature and textbooks to the local college's staff and students. Powys Book-ish 23 High Street, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1BD, 01873 811256 Emma Corfield-Walters had dreamed of owning a bookshop since childhood, but especially while running her building company. Her dream came true when she bought this smart, friendly shop on Crickhowell's fiercely independent high street.

Among its 1,500 titles you'll find a great range of fiction and poetry, as well as guides to the local area and fantastic children's books, plus high-quality traditional toys. The shop hosts author events and poetry workshops. Coch-Y-Bonddu Pentrerhedyn Street, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8DG, 01654 702837 The ancient Welsh capital of Machynlleth is jammed full of interesting independent shops and this little bookshop is no exception. Dedicated to titles on fishing, field sports, sporting dogs, falconry and game shooting, it's packed full of eccentric delights. There's both new and secondhand stock, and owner Paul will happily hunt down out-of-print or rare titles for you. Great Oak Bookshop 35 Great Oak Street, Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6BW, 01686 412959 The stock at this charming shop, next to the historic black and white market hall in Llanidloes, reflects the town's alternative and arty leanings.

It is particularly strong in current affairs, arts and crafts and environmental issues, but also boasts a range of fiction, biography and a well-stocked children's room. The Tardis-like shop is beautiful, with a stained glass window depicting an ancient oak and a serene courtyard. There's a cellar of bargain books, a barn full of secondhand volumes and a sign at the till saying "lost husband collection point". The Hours Bookshop 15 Ship Street, Brecon, Powys LD3 9AD, 01874 622800 Bookshops are only usually like this in dreams. Housed in a three-storey Tudor building, all exposed stone walls and inviting nooks, the Hours is a bijou shop stocking just 1,000 covetable titles (fiction, art, poetry, crime, children's titles, walking guides and local interest) in an environment to invite lingering. The current owners opened the shop in 2010 after years in the corporate sector. They wanted to create a place to stumble upon and cherish, and they've succeeded. Next to the books, there's a brilliant cafe with free wireless internet access and papers; upstairs there's a comfy reading room.

The shop takes its name from the working title for Mrs Dalloway. Virginia Woolf, you feel, would have loved this tranquil, creative place. Pembertons 4 High Town, Hay-on-Wye, Powys HR3 5AE, 01497 820159 It can be hard to be distinctive in a town clogged with bookshops, but Pembertons has cracked it: this is the only shop in the area selling new books. The official bookseller for the annual Hay festival, it has great selections of fiction, children's books, crime, travel, sport and art. Its first stock was paid for by the sale of a port table for £2,000. Service is exceptional and the shop routinely carries signed new titles. Local authors Owen Sheers, Jenny Valentine, Oliver and Tom Bullough all have ties to the store. swansea Cover to Cover 58 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BQ, 01792 366363 This cheery, spacious bookshop has become something of a hub for shoppers in Mumbles since it opened in 1999.

Its great setting on Newton Road, which is lined with interesting shops, offers views of the 12th-century Oystermouth castle. Sarah Rees, who opened the shop after a decade of working for London publishers, prides herself on its convivial atmosphere and the excellent range of local-interest titles in stock, alongside areas such as fiction, biography, cookery and art, plus an exceptional children's section. Siop Ty Tawe 9 Christina Street, Swansea, SA1 4EW, 01792 456856 A friendly city-centre shop that has a large selection of books in Welsh and a good range for those learning the language, plus CDs and DVDs. It stocks titles from nearby small presses on local interest subjects, plus guides to nearby Gower peninsula and west Wales. Uplands Bookshop 27 Uplands Crescent, Swansea, SA2 ONX, 01792 470195 Books relating to the city of Swansea and the nearby Gower peninsula are a speciality of this shop, which also has a good general selection of new titles, Welsh-language books for children and adults, travel books and Ordnance Survey maps.

Local authors and small publications are well supported, with a section of the window display always reserved for their books. The shop stocks all Gower Society publications, as well as popular local titles such as Gower Fishing and Copperopolis, a history of Swansea's copper industry. Torfaen Browning Books 33 Broad Street, Blaenavon, Torfaen NP4 9NF, 01495 790089 Given its setting within the World Heritage site of Blaenavon, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, it's no surprise that Browning carries plenty of books on industrial and mining history, alongside a good selection of walking guides. The 8,000 titles in stock are mainly new, but also include some secondhand and rare books. Owner Stephanie Nummelin, whose great-great grandfather Lewis Browning wrote the first history of Blaenavon, eschews the ubiquitous bestsellers in favour of more eclectic titles. There are great history, art, poetry and children's sections in particular. A teensy gallery space upstairs shows the work of artists such as Susie Bright, an acclaimed Australian artist who lives locally.

Vale of Glamorgan Cowbridge Bookshop 72 Eastgate, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7AB, 01446 775105 John and Kyrie MacLean opened this handsome shop in the ancient market town of Cowbridge in 1984 and it remains one of the highlights of the mostly independent high street. Its stock of 15,000 titles has excellent sections on new fiction, biography, ancient and modern Welsh history and reference, plus cookery, gardening and children's books. Staff know their stuff and orders are handled speedily. Nickleby's Bookstore 6 Pound Field Precinct, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1DL, 01446 795166 Tucked away in historic Llantwit Major, Nickleby's sells new and secondhand books, with a good selection of titles in fiction, cookery, children's books and sport. Mind, body and spirit is a particular strength here, as are local and Welsh-interest titles. Publications from nearby historical societies are stocked alongside mainstream presses.

Windsor Bookshop 9a Windsor Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 1JB, 02920 706455 This shop has a prime spot on Penarth's busy high street and is much loved by locals. More than 7,000 titles are kept in stock, including a range of Welsh-language titles, and it has good selections of fiction, biography, travel, history and guide books on the Vale of Glamorgan. There's an especially strong selection of local interest titles and the shop also sells sheet music and maps.

Topics Your guide to independent bookshops in Merseyside, Manchester, the Isle of Man, Cheshire and Lancashire Published: 30 Sep 2011 Your guide to independent bookshops in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire Published: 30 Sep 2011 Your guide to independent bookshops in Birmingham, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Shropshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire Published: 30 Sep 2011 Your guide to independent bookshops in East England Published: 30 Sep 2011 South Wales Personal Tours - Wales Tours, Cardiff Tours Tour of Wales Our Tour of Wales is designed to offer visitors to Wales a comprehensive guided experience, at a relaxed and comfortable pace. Join your guide as he takes you on a six day journey which spans the length and breadth of Wales. This is an all embracing tour, showcasing Wales' history, culture and outstanding natural beauty. DAY 1 Chepstow Castle Our first visit is to Chepstow Castle, situated on its rock above the swirling waters of the River Wye.

Standing guard over a strategic crossing point into Wales, this well-preserved landmark castle is probably the first stone castle to be built in Britain and one of the few to trace the evolution of medieval military architecture from start to finish. The Wye Valley North of Chepstow is the Wooded Wye Valley, an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' which winds its way through Tintern to Monmouth. Tintern, dominated by the soaring ruins of its medieval abbey, has attracted poets and artists for centuries. Today, it's also popular with country-lovers who follow the Wye Valley Walk or the Offa's Dyke Path in the hills above. Tintern Abbey We then drive to Tintern Abbey, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture as well as providing a fascinating insight into monastic life in medieval times. Wordsworth was inspired by his visit to write his famous poem, 'Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey'. Monmouth We travel north through the Wye Valley to the historic Welsh border market town of Monmouth, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Wye, Monnow and Trothy.

Perhaps best known as the birthplace of Henry V, Monmouth boasts a whole host of historical sites, people and buildings from the Nelson Garden to The Town Hall. It has a medieval 13th-century bridge over the river Monnow, unique in Britain as it is the only preserved bridge of its design remaining. Raglan Castle Raglan was the last medieval fortification built in Britain. Raglan was built on the site of a former Norman motte in 1435. The design combines practical strength with ostentatious style. Raglan castle is set amongst rolling border country. Once a sumptuous palace, with formal state apartments and a Great Tower, it was more a state of wealth and social aspiration than an intimidating military presence. It acquitted itself well however, when forced into active service, enduring in 1646 one of the longest sieges in the English Civil War, before falling to Cromwell's forces and suffering at the hands of his demolition team. Even in ruin however, noble Raglan remains the finest late-medieval fortress palace in the British Isles. The Vale of Usk The landscape of The Marches - the Welsh border, is dominated by two rivers, the Wye and the Usk.

They meander through green vales set in rolling countryside. The entire area is idyllic touring country. Scenic roads weave across hill and vale dotted with pretty little towns and villages. Our journey takes us through the historic floral town of Usk. The town Usk stands in the valley of the same name. The Usk is a famous salmon fishing river and also has its own beautiful long-distance footpath, the Usk Valley Walk. South of Usk, the river loops around Caerleon, a town in which King Arthur reputedly held court. Caerleon also has an important Roman ancestry still evident today in its amphitheatre, excavated bathhouse complex, barracks and museum. Roman Caerleon Our final stop is Caerleon, one of Europe's most fascinating and revealing Roman sites. To the Romans Caerleon was known as Isca or often referred to as 'City of the Legions'. Here they created not just a military camp but also an entire township, complete with amphitheatre which, in its heyday, would have seated in the region of 6,000 people and would have been the scene of many gladitorial games against men and beasts.

Dr Mortimer Wheeler extensively excavated the remains of the Amphitheatre in 1926 and they remain some of the best preserved in Britain. The Roman Fortress of Isca was the permanent home of the Legio II Augusta, named after the emperor Augustus who had raised or possibly reformed the second legion. The site was first occupied cAD75 by Sextus Julius Frontinus who had been instructed by Emperor Vespasian to pacify the Welsh and the site he chose provided an easily defendable area with good access down the Usk estuary, for essential supplies by sea. The variety of remains on view in Caerleon is unparalleled within the British Isles, providing us with a vivid picture of life in Roman Britain almost 2,000 years ago. OR DAY 1 Europe's youngest Capital City, Cardiff, is the Capital City of Wales. Founded by the Romans, influenced by the Normans, Cardiff exploded onto the world map, earning the reputation of The Coal Exporting Capital of the World. Cardiff's Civic Centre Join us on a drive through the green heart of Cardiff and enjoy the history, geography and architecture of this vibrant and dynamic Capital City.

Castell Coch Take in the extravagence of the medieval, gothic fantasy, Castell Coch. Designed and built by the eccentric genius William Burgess and financed by his wealthy patron, the shy and scholarly Third Marquis of Bute. Caerphilly Castle We drive to Caerphilly Castle, the second largest castle in Britain. Built in the late 13th century, the fortress is a supreme example of the concentric 'walls within walls' system of defence. Also the castle's outstanding water defences made it almost impregnable to siege warfare. Particularly noteworthy features include the gatehouse, banqueting hall and full-size working replicas of medieval siege-engines. Often threatened but, unsurprisingly, never taken, the castle's only sign of weakness is its famous leaning tower (which out-leans the tower at Pisa), possibly caused by subsidence. The Museum of Welsh Life An afternoon spent at St. Fagans Museum of Welsh Life. In this open-air museum you will discover how the people of Wales have lived, worked and spent their leisure time, over the last five hundred years. Cardiff Bay Cardiff Bay offers the visitor to the Welsh Capital a glimpse into Cardiff's historical past, present and future.

See the shipping headquarters, once used by the founding family of Cardiff - The Butes, now alongside the modern iconic Wales Millennium Centre, which has captured the imagination of the Welsh people and is recognised on an international stage. The state of the art Welsh Assembly Government building, Y Senydd, is situated in a prime position on the waterfront. Y Senedd is completely transparent at the public level, a testament to the Welsh Government's philosophy of openness and transparency. A short walk will allow us to become familiar with features such as: The Norwegian Church within the unique setting, which is Cardiff Bay. DAY 2 Experience the beauty of The Gower Peninsula , with its golden sandy beaches and limestone cliffs. The Gower Peninsula is the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is 19 miles by 6 miles of award winning beaches, dramatic cliff-top walks, picturesque villages, rolling countryside, valleys, woodlands and breathtaking views. The area boasts many ancient sites including castles and a human burial chamber dating back to 3500 BC. Mumbles Mumbles is the gateway to the Gower. Mumbles offers stunning views over Oystermouth Bay and is the beginning of the journey into the Gower, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Bracelet Bay and Langland Bay You will take a half hour walk into Langland Bay from Bracelet Bay and Limeslade Bay. The walk takes you along a steep clifftop with breathtaking views of the coast. This is a wonderful opportunity to walk and admire this wonderful landscape Penmaen Burrows Positioned between Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay, Penmaen Burrows has a number of archaeological remains and is both interesting and scenic. Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula is one of the best places in Britain to watch the sunset. Our one hour walk offers spectacular cliff top views of Three Cliffs Bay's semi-secluded pristine beaches and clifftop views over the outstanding six mile stretch of sand which is Oxwich Bay. Three Cliffs Bay offers some of the most beautiful views in Britain. Worms Head and Rhossili Bay The Gower Tour offers many wonderful views and interesting and scenic walks, however, none more so than the views of Rhossili Bay, and the walk along the body of the sleeping dragon, towards Worms Head. We spend the afternoon enjoying everything that the Gower, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has to offer.

Cefn Bryn Ridge and Arthur's Stone Our last stop is Cefn Bryn, Gower's sturdy spine, which commands views of the North Gower coast, Carmarthen Bay and a distant glimpse of Pembrokeshire and the rugged interior landscape of the Gower Peninsula. Wild ponies, cattle and sheep graze freely on common ground. The legend of King Arthur which permeates across this ancient and historical landscape is never far away. We have another opportunity to take a short walk, take in the amazing views and visit one of the Seven Wonders of Britain, Arthur's Stone. OR DAY 2 Laugharne Our journey towards the South Pembrokeshire Coast brings us to the western tip of Carmarthenshire and the ancient town of Laugharne, with its 12th century castle once painted by Turner. Laugharne is synonymous with the Welsh poet and broadcaster Dylan Thomas, who found inspiration here for one of his best known works - 'Under Milk Wood'. Dylan Marlais Thomas is Wales' best known and most celebrated writer. Despite periods spent in London, America and elsewhere, throughout his life Dylan kept returning to Wales. Dylan is widely regarded as one of the twentieth century's most influential lyrical poets.

Although primarily a poet, Dylan also published short stories and film scripts, and publicly performed his works and conducted radio broadcasts. We follow in the great poet’s footsteps...visiting The Boat House, where Dylan lived and worked. Pendine We travel the coastal road alongside Pendine Sands, a seven-mile beach famous for land speed records, where in 1927 Malcolm Campbell set a new World Land Speed Record of 174.88 mph. Our drive to Tenby is a particularly scenic route, which hugs the South Pembrokeshire coastline, occasionally offering glimpses of this popular Victorian seaside resort and the island of Caldey, home to a Reformed Order of Cistercian monks who welcome visitors to their tranquil retreat. A monastic presence has existed at Caldey since it was first settled by Celtic monks in the 6th Century. Tenby Tenby is steeped in ancient history with its high medieval walls which were strengthened by Jasper Tudor, uncle of the future king, Henry VII in the 15th century. Tenby has been on the leisure map for nearly 200 years, since wealthy Victorians provided finance to develop the town.

Tenby is considered by many to be one of the UK's most attractive holiday resorts - a medieval centre, narrow cobbled streets packed tight with shops and places to eat, and three award-winning Blue Flag Beaches. DAY 3 The Castlemartin Peninsula We then head towards this dramatic part of The South Pembrokeshire Coast, which has many special features of interest. Photographers, birdwatchers, walkers, climbers, geologists, historians, artists and anthropologists have all been drawn to this most scenic and interesting of areas. We take a short walk to St. Govan's Chapel , one of the wonders of South Pembrokeshire, a remarkable 6th Century hermit's chapel, named after the hermit and saint who lived there. Nearby we view the dramatic coastline - the chasm of Huntsman's Leap, the sea stacks at Stack Rocks and the rock arch of The Green Bridge of Wales . (Access to St. Govan's Chapel and The Green Bridge of Wales is dependent on access via M.O.D. tank range) A drive to Freshwater West, takes in the village of Castlemartin, whose church houses an organ once owned by Mendelssohn.

Freshwater West is a haven for surfers, drawn to the area by the big Atlantic rollers that sweep in. OR DAY 3 Pembroke Castle The ancient borough of Pembroke, a small but charming walled town, was built around the great fortress of Pembroke Castle , the birthplace of Henry VII. Idyllically set on the banks of the River Cleddau, it is an intriguing place to explore. Soon after The Battle of Hastings, the Normans looked to Wales and in 1093 The Earl of Montgomery built the first Pembroke Castle, an earth and timber structure. In 1189, William Marshal became Earl of Pembroke and he transformed the castle into the magnificent stone fortification which we are able to view on our tour. The impressive condition of the castle is due to the extensive restoration programme begun when Major General Sir Ivor Philipps, of nearby Cosherston Hall, acquired the ruins in 1928. Today, the General's family and Pembroke Town Council manage the trust set up by the General to maintain it. The Heritage Coast The Heritage coast stretches 50 miles, following the rugged contours of St. David's Peninsula from St. Brides Bay to Fishguard.

The peninsula blends history and scenery to better effect than just about any area of Britain. Composed of low, gentle hills, but strewn with jagged rocks below sharp cliffs, with treacherous tides and strong winds common companions, the magnificent coastline of the St David's Peninsula in the far West of Wales with sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, coves and harbours, is truly a land for all seasons. We take a scenic drive taking in Newgale Sands - a broad expanse of sand exposed to the Atlantic gales and Solva, a picturesque village built around a fine natural harbour where there was once a direct passenger service to New York! The City of St. Davids St. Davids, a favourite location of artists, tavellers and pilgrims, is the smallest city in the United Kingdom, with a population of just over 1600. It is situated on the far south west coast of Wales and is the birthplace of St. David, the patron saint of Wales, who established the Christian tradition in the 6th century. Granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II because of the presence of the cathedral, St.

Davids is in reality a small attractive village, situated within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery renowned for its natural beauty. St. Davids' Cathedral St. Davids' Cathedral is a magnificent building , situated in a grassy depression below the city. A serene yet majestic sight. St David, the patron saint of Wales, was one of the earliest Celtic missionaries who sought to convert the barbaric tribes of western Europe to Christianity. He founded a monastery on the site where the cathedral now stands in AD 589. After Pope Calixtus canonised David (or Dewi as he is known in Welsh) in 1120, the site became a major place of pilgrimage. Bishop Bernard dedicated the cathedral in 1131 and construction work began in 1181. St. Davids' Cathedral was a popular pilgrimage destination throughout the middle ages, and indeed remains so to this day attracting thousands of visitors every year. It is not only the final resting place for the Saint himself but contains the tombs of both the great Lord Rhys of Deheubarth and his son Rhys Gryg.

Bishop's Palace Adjacent to the cathedral stand the magnificent ruins of the medieval Bishop's Palace, built by Bishops Beck and Gower around the beginning of the fourteenth century. The Cathedral and Bishop's Palace are marvels of medieval architecture, all the more striking for the remarkable tranquillity of this remote setting. DAY 4 The Vale of Rheidol Railway - Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge Opened in 1902, the narrow gauge steam train covers a 12 mile journey through the spectacular Rheidol Valley. (April - October) Machynlleth Machynlleth, the ancient capital of Wales. The seat of Owain Glyndwr's Welsh Parliament in 1404. Owain Glyndwr was crowned Prince of Wales, near the Parliament House , Machynlleth, in the presence of leaders from Scotland, France and Spain. Portmeirion The unique Italianate private village. The vision of the eccentric architect Clou gh William-Ellis. A 'home for fallen buildings'. Best known as 'The Village' in the 1960s British cult TV series The Prisoner.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns Llechwedd Slate Caverns is set in 2000 acres of land above the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. It has been an active, working slate mine since 1836. A unique underground experience that takes you deep into the mountain to explore the mysterious world of the Victorian slate miner. The Snowdonia National Park Snowdonia National Park came into existence in 1951. It was the first designate National Park in Wales. Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in North Wales. DAY 5 The Snowdon Mountain Railway Majestic Mount Snowdon dominates the dramatic ancient landscape and scenery of North Wales. For more than 113 years, visitors have been appreciating the truly spectacular views of the Snowdonia mountain range.The Summit of Snowdon, at 3,560ft (1085m), is the highest mountain in England and Wales. This is a truly spectacular railway journey. (March - October) Caernarfon Castle King Edward I intended this castle to be a royal residence and seat of government for North Wales.

The castle's symbolic status was emphasized when Edward I made sure that his son, the first English Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284. In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the investiture of HRH Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysiliogogogoch 'St. Mary's Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the church of St. Tysilio near the red cave'. The town with the longest place name in Wales. Bryn-Celli Ddu Probably the best known and most famous neolithic site in Anglesey. Regarded as a monument of the Bronze Age as well as the New Stone Age. Llandudno Llandudno's early history evolves around the Great Orme, where Saint Tudno, brought Christianity to the region in the sixth century. Llandudno is Wales' most enduring archetype of a genteel Victorian seaside resort. The pier juts out into Llandudno Bay with views back to the limestone cliffs. Llandudno is framed between the Great Orme and the Little Orme.

The top of the Great Orme, an ancient mountain almost surrounded by the sea, ranks as the one spot in North Wales with comparable views to those from the far loftier summits in Snowdonia. DAY 6 Scenic Drive through the heart of Mid-Wales Rhaeadr Gwy The oldest town in Mid Wales, Rhayader - 'The Waterfall on the Wye', is situated at a natural crossroads between east and west, north and south Wales. Rhayader has for centuries offered a welcome for travellers: from the Romans who had a stopover camp in the Elan Valley, Monks journeying between the Abbeys of Strata Florida and Abbeycwmhir, and Drovers taking their livestock to far off markets. We drive close to Gigrin Red Kite Feeding Centre. In the 1930s the number of red kites were down to just a couple of breeding pairs. But through dedicated conservation work they have staged an impressive recovery. We may be in luck and spot the wonderful Red kite, which breeds in this area, flying overhead.

Hay-on-Wye We continue to Hay-on-Wye, the 'Town Of Books’, with its maze of narrow ancient streets, housing over 35 bookshops with over a million books for sale - a mecca for second-hand book and antiquarian book lovers! Hay is located on the northernmost point of the Brecon Beacons National Park and lies on the Welsh border in the county of Powys. The Brecon Beacon National Park The Brecon Beacons National Park spans 519 square miles of beautiful mid-Wales countryside and contains some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in Europe.The landscape is scattered with prehistoric monuments, Roman remains and medieval castles, spectacular waterfalls, caves and wooded gorges, along with distinctive upland formations. We take a short walk providing stunning views of the Beacons, including Pen-y-Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales, with its distinctive red table top summit standing at 886 metres. ALL TOURS CAN BE CUSTOMISED Tours are subject to our Terms and Conditions Contact enquiries@southwalestours.com for additional information, queries and prices Diolch yn fawr /Thank You

Question: Which Welsh market town is also known as the town of books
Answer: Hay-on-Wye